February 4, 2012

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Dell Inspiron iM10V-2734 Mini 10v Netbook Review

Dell has added a new member to the Inspiron Mini series of netbooks which has been very popular thanks to the balance of mobility and affordability. The new Dell Inspiron iM10V-2734 is a low cost configuration of the original Mini 10 and makes a great internet companion to help keep students, bloggers or adult travelers connected in a more convenient form than a smartphone. We assume the ‘v’ in the name denotes value, as this model cuts a few corners in the specifications to maintain it as a good buy for the budget conscious.

The Mini 10v is one of the smallest netbooks we’ve seen, while still all-too glossy and 10-inch in size, loses the edge-to-edge glass effect, high resolution screen, and TV tuner options you’ll find with the Mini 10. But it comes in at a lower price and still has a lot of customization options including a choice of hard drive and battery size. In addition, the 10v has a faster processor, Intel Atom N270 processor, while the Inspiron Mini 10 uses an Atom Z520 or Z530 CPU.

The build quality is still pretty solid despite the use of more plastic rather than the alloy used in the standard Mini 10. The keyboard is certainly one of the better ones we’ve seen on a 10-inch netbook and rivals the excellent keyboard used on HP and Samsung netbooks. However, the unhappiness with the Dell Inspiron iM10V-2734 is the touchpad. It’s wide and reasonably responsive, but for some reason the mouse buttons are integrated into its bottom left and right corners. This means that, unless you’re absolutely precise, when you left-click on the screen the cursor jumps to the left as well. It can be very, very frustrating.

The overall spec is similar to every other 10 inch netbook on the market, but this “value” netbook will likely prove to be a popular netbook in the current economic environment.

Dell Inspiron Mini iM10V-2734 Key Features

  • Slim and portable design
  • Bright 10.1-inch widescreen display (1024 x 600) with a 16:9 aspect ratio
  • 92 percent full-sized, spill-resistant keyboard with curved keys for easy typing
  • 2 GB of online storage with Box.net
  • 1.3-megapixel webcam integrated into the display bezel for easy video chats and conferencing
  • Three color options to choose from

    • Dell Inspiron Mini iM10V-2734 Specification

    • Operating System : Windows 7 Starter
    • Processor : 1.6GHz Intel Atom 270 Processor
    • Display : Bright 10.1-inch widescreen display (1024 x 600) with a 16:9 aspect ratio
    • Graphics : Intel GMA 950 Graphics
    • Memory: 1GB DDR2 RAM (easily self upgrade RAM to 2GB)
    • Storage : 160 GB hard drive (5400 RPM)
    • Wireless Data Network: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
    • Input/Output: Ethernet LAN (RJ-45), VGA, 3 x USB 2.0 Ports
    • Flash Media Slot : 3-in-1 Card Slot (SD, SDHC, MMC)
    • 1.3-megapixel webcam integrated into the display bezel
    • Optical Drive : No Optical Drive (optional external optical drive can be connected via one of the USB ports)
    • Keyboard : 92 percent full-sized, spill-resistant keyboard with curved keys for easy typing
    • 6-cell Lithium Ion Battery (Up to 6 hours of battery life)
    • Dimensions: 10.28 x 7.19 x 1.06 inches (WxDxH)
    • Weight: 3.1 pounds

    Upgrading Dell Inspiron Mini iM10V-2734 Memory from 1GB to 2GB

    Take note of the following;

    • The netbook comes with only 1 slot and it is populated by a 1GB memory module
    • That means you have to remove the 1GB RAM module to insert the new 2GB RAM module
    • Make sure you purchase the right memory module – a 200 pin DDR2 SODIMM notebook memory module (667MHz or 800MHz)
    • Installing the memory is a snap. You just need a tiny Philips screwdriver to remove one screw from back cover. Once unscrewed slide the door towards the screw and lift up gently. Pop out the old, pop in the new, replace the cover and boot it back up (Follow the steps outlined in easily self upgrade RAM)

    Color Options

    The Dell Inspiron iM10V-2734 is available in three different colors;

    • Obsidian Black – Dell Inspiron iM10V-2734OBK Mini 10v
    • Ice Blue – Dell Inspiron iM10V-2734IBU Mini 10v
    • Jade Green – Dell Inspiron iM10V-2734JGN Mini 10v

    Software Included with Dell Inspiron Mini iM10V-2734

    Dell provides a variety of software to help ensure that the Dell Inspiron iM10V-2734 is easy to use and maintain optimal performance, including:

    • Windows 7 Starter
    • Microsoft Works 9
    • Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.0
    • McAfee Security Center (15-Months)
    • Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer
    • Dell Support Center application – for downloading drivers and receiving Dell support alerts and other information
    • SightSpeed – webcam application for snapping photos, recording videos, or adding effects
    • DellConnect Remote Assistance allows Dell experts help diagnose and solve PC problems via an Internet connection

    User Reviews

    The 10-inch vivid screen and light traveling weight are both attractive features in this well-priced netbook, but there are some annoying flaws too. If you can live with the odd touchpad or if you generally plug in a mouse,, the Dell Inspiron iM10V-2734 is a solid 10 inch netbook with good build quality, a decent keyboard, and above average battery life. At $350, the Mini 10v gives you a decent bit of bang for your buck.

    Pros

    • Well Priced
    • Improved Keyboard Design

    Cons

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